Visual Arts

The University of North Georgia’s Department of Visual Arts offers the following degree programs:

Associate of Arts (A.A) with a pathway in Art
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Studio Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Arts

Art (A.A.)

The A.A. with a pathway in Art prepares students for further study in art or a related field within a four-year degree program. It may also stand as an independent, two-year degree.

Studio Art (B.A.)

The B.A. in Studio Art prepares students for a career in visual arts or a related field, allowing exploration of multiple artistic media and disciplines beyond the arts. Students take courses in media including three-dimensional design and fabrication, ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textile design, and weaving.

Visual Arts (B.F.A.)

The B.F.A. in Visual Arts is a professional degree. Multiple advanced studio art courses equip students with proficiency in an area of focus, preparing them for graduate school admission or for positions within a variety of creative industries that demand advanced artistic expertise. Students culminate their degree with a Capstone Exhibition, which provides an applied learning experience.

Minors

The Department of Visual Arts also offers several minors:

Minor in Art (Studio Art)
Minor in Art History
Minor in Digital Arts
Minor in Digital Design & Fabrication
Minor in Graphic Design

The department also provides Core IMPACTS courses in the Humanities area and electives to the student body at large. Upper level visual arts courses are accessible to non-majors with permission of the department head. Any student who is considering a visual arts major should consult an academic advisor in the Department of Visual Arts as soon as possible in order to make informed decisions when planning a course of study. This is especially critical since Visual Arts majors should begin taking Field of Study requirements in the first semester of the freshman year to maintain the appropriate sequence of courses.

Core IMPACTS - Arts, Humanities, & Ethics Requirement

Every undergraduate North Georgia student is required to complete a course in either fine arts, speech, or philosophy as part of the Arts, Humanities, & Ethics area of the Core IMPACTS requirements. Successful completion of ART 1100 - Art Appreciation , ART 2510 - Introduction to Art History I , or ART 2520 - Introduction to Art History II fulfills this requirement for non-visual arts majors; Visual Arts majors may complete this requirement by successfully completing ART 1100 Art Appreciation.

Visual Arts Program Requirements and Assessment

Visual Arts majors and minors must achieve a grade of “C” or better in each Department of Visual Arts course taken to fulfill degree requirements.

All 3-hour art studio courses are activity-based courses in visual arts; these courses normally meet for six hours per week.

All transfer visual arts courses completed at another institution are subject to portfolio or equivalency review by the faculty to determine if transfer credit can be awarded.

Students enrolled in visual arts courses (including Field of Study courses) may be required to attend art exhibitions, guest lectures, and/or cultural presentations that occur outside the regular class time. This attendance requirement, which will be stated in writing for each visual arts course at the beginning of each term, is considered to be an integral component of the liberal arts education provided by the University of North Georgia.

Each Visual Arts degree candidate must successfully meet oral and written communication skills requirements and exhibit an understanding of cultural diversity. Further, each degree candidate must demonstrate facility with appropriate current technologies, along with the ability to use critical thinking skills in response to issues, themes and ideas within her or his chosen area of study.

All Field of Study courses must be completed by Visual Arts majors with a grade of C or higher prior to taking any 3000- or 4000-level studio art or art history courses.

All Visual Arts students must submit and pass the online Foundations Portfolio Review. Examples of foundation level coursework are submitted for review, ensuring basic art aptitudes are met. Students must successfully complete Foundations Portfolio Review after or concurrently with ART 1010, 1020, and 1030. Foundations Portfolio Review must be completed by the 45 credit hour mark.

Majors may pre-register for upper level studio art or art history courses the semester they are completing Field of Study coursework. Prior to starting 3000-and 4000-level studio art history courses, Visual Arts advisors will verify their advisees have passed Foundations Portfolio Review and completed their Field of Study coursework with a grade of C or better.

Each candidate for the B.A. in Studio Art must complete the Exit Portfolio Review submitted during their last semester before graduation.

Candidates for the B.F.A. in Visual Arts must successfully complete ART 4910 Senior Capstone Exhibition. Students create a body of artwork for exhibition in their area of focus. In preparation, B.F.A. candidates must submit an online Senior Proposal in conjunction with their area advisor.

Visual Arts Scholarships and Awards

A limited number of visual arts scholarships and awards are available to outstanding majors. Scholarships are awarded based on artistic merit, academic achievement, and/or university or community involvement. For basic information, refer to the section on Departmental Awards under Honors and Awards. Detailed information is available at http://ung.edu/visual-arts/scholarships-and-awards.php or from:

Department of Visual Arts
University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA 30597

Programs

Associate of Arts

Art (A.A.)

Bachelor of Arts

Studio Art (B.A.)

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Visual Arts (B.F.A.)

Certificate Programs

Digital Design and Fabrication Certificate

Minor